Bhubaneswar, 18 October (H.S.): The renowned Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district reopened for tourists on Saturday , marking the beginning of a new tourist season following its annual monsoon closure. The reserve had remained closed since June 30 due to the onset of the monsoon.
As per a notification issued by STR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni, a total of 60 vehicles will be allowed to enter the reserve daily. Of these, 35 vehicles can enter through the Jashipur gate, while 25 vehicles will be permitted through the Pithabata gate under the Baripada division.
Tourist entry timings have been fixed between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM from the Jashipur gate and 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM from the Pithabata gate. All visitors must exit the park by 6:00 PM on the same day.
Visitors can explore the lush forest and wildlife through open jeep safaris. The morning safari will begin at 5:30 AM and continue for about five hours, while the afternoon safari will commence at 2:00 PM and conclude within four hours.
Sharing last year’s tourism statistics, Gogineni informed that during 2024–25, as many as 38,483 tourists, including 12 foreign visitors, explored Similipal, generating a revenue of ₹4.26 crore for the reserve.
The reopening of Similipal is expected to give a boost to eco-tourism in the region, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers from across the country and abroad.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
